Abstract: A valve arrangement including a release valve. The valve arrangement controls a cylinder assembly including a first port and a second port, and a cylinder slideably housing a piston for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The valve arrangement includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and with the first port and the second port to control fluid flow between the source and the first port and second port, and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port. The release valve is movable between a closed position and an open position. Fluid flows from both the first port and the second port simultaneously when the release valve member is in the open position.

Abstract: A valve arrangement including a release valve. The valve arrangement controls a cylinder assembly including a first port and a second port, and a cylinder slideably housing a piston for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The valve arrangement includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and with the first port and the second port to control fluid flow between the source and the first port and second port, and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port. The release valve is movable between a closed position and an open position. Fluid flows from both the first port and the second port simultaneously when the release valve member is in the open position.

Abstract: A method of removing ceramic material, such as for example a ceramic core, from a metallic cast or other component involves contacting the metallic cast component and a caustic ceramic leaching medium at elevated temperature for a time effective to substantially remove the ceramic material from the component and providing an oxygen getter in the caustic ceramic leaching medium in an amount effective to avoid deleterious surface corrosion of the component while the ceramic material is being removed therefrom.